Section 22-344-80 - Animal Shelter Standards and Facility Requirements, phase-in date for certain subsectionsThe provisions of sections 22-344-80 to 22-344-82, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall apply to animal shelters that house dogs or cats.
(a) Animal shelter facilities shall meet or exceed the following minimum standards: (1) All buildings and premises shall be kept in good repair and in a sanitary condition;(2) Walls and floors shall be constructed of impervious surfaces such as tile, sealed cement or concrete block treated with epoxy paint that can be cleaned and disinfected. Ceilings shall be kept clean and free of accumulated dust and debris. All equipment used shall be free of rust;(3) Carpeted flooring is prohibited in areas where animals are housed, treated, or fed;(4) All removable resting surfaces, bedding, furniture-type fixtures, equipment or objects within the facility shall be constructed in a manner or made of materials that allow them to be cleaned and disinfected, or removed or replaced when worn or soiled.(5) A washing area shall be provided with hot and cold running water dedicated to cleaning animals, and all of the equipment related to their care. The washing area shall be large enough to accommodate cleaning and disinfection of all items associated with the care of animals, including enclosures, removable resting surfaces, bedding, furniture-type fixtures, equipment, food bowls, water bowls, and toys;(6) Natural or artificial illumination shall be maintained during daylight hours in all areas and rooms in which dogs and cats are kept. Natural or artificial illumination shall be well distributed and adequate to provide thorough observation of the facility and its enclosures, cages, and dogs and cats. Artificial illumination shall be available for non-daylight hours;(7) Equipment shall be maintained and used in a way that ensures the proper and legal storage or disposal of wastes and potentially disease-contaminated material, such as, medical supplies, syringes, and needles;(8) Effective control measures to prevent the infestation of animals and premises by external parasites, insects, or vermin shall be maintained at all times;(9) Dog and cat food in original packaging shall be stored above the floor on clean racks, dollies or other clean surfaces, in such a manner as to protect from contamination. Unsealed bags of dog and cat food shall be stored in covered metal or covered heavy duty plastic containers, in such a manner as to protect from contamination; and(10) Dog and cat cages or enclosures shall be equipped with a solid floor.(b) Subdivisions (2), (3) and (4) of subsection (a) of this section shall be effective one year after the effective date of this section.(c) Each animal shelter registrant shall have on file at his or her place of business, a written emergency plan describing procedures for both natural and man-made disasters such as a fire, flood, extreme weather conditions, power failure or utility disruptions and chemical or toxic spills. The emergency plan shall include procedures for training staff about disaster preparedness, staff's specific responsibilities during a disaster, relocation process (if appropriate), and contacting appropriate emergency response agencies.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 22-344-80